Isospora juruviarae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from chivi vireos Vireo chivi (Vieillot, 1817) (Passeriformes: Vireonidae) in South America.

Chivi vireos Vireo chivi (Vieillot, 1817) are passerine birds widely distributed throughout Brazil, but mainly observed in the Atlantic Forest of the South and Southeast regions of the country. In this context, the current study identifies a new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 from V. chivi captured in the Marambaia Island, on the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The oocysts of Isospora juruviarae Andrade & Berto n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 26 by 24 µm. Micropyle is absent or inconspicuous. Oocyst residuum absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal with pointed posterior end, measuring on average 17 by × 11 µm. Stieda and Sub-Stieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is present among the vermiform sporozoites, which have refractile bodies and nucleus. This morphology was different from the other Isospora spp. recorded in the same family, superfamily and parvorder as the host. Molecular identification was targeted by the amplification and sequencing of two different loci of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and one locus of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene. Phylogenetic analyses were not very efficient in forming monophyletic groups associated with host taxon, zoogeographical region or taxonomic character; however, they confirmed the identification as a new species through comparison with sequences from Isospora spp. of wild passerines. Finally, based on the morphological and molecular analyses of the oocysts recovered from the chivi vireo V. chivi in the current work, I. juruviarae is considered new to science, being the second species recorded in the host family Vireonidae and the first to have a supplementation by molecular identification.

Epidemiological and genomic investigation of chikungunya virus in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, between 2015 and 2018.

Since 2014, Brazil has experienced an unprecedented epidemic caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), with several waves of East-Central-South-African (ECSA) lineage transmission reported across the country. In 2018, Rio de Janeiro state, the third most populous state in Brazil, reported 41% of all chikungunya cases in the country. Here we use evolutionary and epidemiological analysis to estimate the timescale of CHIKV-ECSA-American lineage and its epidemiological patterns in Rio de Janeiro. We show that the CHIKV-ECSA outbreak in Rio de Janeiro derived from two distinct clades introduced from the Northeast region in mid-2015 (clade RJ1, n = 63/67 genomes from Rio de Janeiro) and mid-2017 (clade RJ2, n = 4/67). We detected evidence for positive selection in non-structural proteins linked with viral replication in the RJ1 clade (clade-defining: nsP4-A481D) and the RJ2 clade (nsP1-D531G). Finally, we estimate the CHIKV-ECSA's basic reproduction number (R0) to be between 1.2 to 1.6 and show that its instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) displays a strong seasonal pattern with peaks in transmission coinciding with periods of high Aedes aegypti transmission potential. Our results highlight the need for continued genomic and epidemiological surveillance of CHIKV in Brazil, particularly during periods of high ecological suitability, and show that selective pressures underline the emergence and evolution of the large urban CHIKV-ECSA outbreak in Rio de Janeiro.

Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the sepia-capped flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 (Passeriformes: Rhynchocyclidae) in South America.

Coccidian protozoan species recorded from flycatchers are few, but they have been described with a certain frequency in recent years. In this context, the present study describes a new Isospora sp. from sepia-capped flycatchers Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 captured in the Itatiaia National Park and in a reforestation area which is about 60 km away from the park boundaries, in addition to providing a molecular identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. has oöcysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 22.0 × 19.7 µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.7 µm thick. The micropyle is delicate or inconspicuous. Oöcyst residuum is absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, measuring on average 14.7 × 9.3 µm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a rectangular to rounded sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of compactly bounded granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Isospora leptopogoni is different from other Isospora spp. mainly due to its lemon-shaped sporocysts, the presence of micropyle and details of Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Phylogenetic analysis placed I. leptopogoni close to other Isospora spp. recorded from phylogenetically related hosts and from the same biogeographic region. Finally, the recurrent finding of this coccidian species in the same L. amaurocephalus specimen in a specific locality in the Itatiaia National Park suggests that the dispersion of I. leptopogoni needs continuous transmissions between susceptible passerines as the area of movement of each L. amaurocephalus specimen appears to be quite small.

Observations on an Eimeria sp. (Apicomplexa) from the green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana (Gmelin, 1788) (Coraciiformes) in Southeastern Brazil: an example of how the ecological aspects of the host can be essential for the identification of its coccidians.

Parasitism in kingfishers is very little reported and predominantly related to hemoparasites, helminths, and ectoparasites. The present study provided a morphological and genotypic study of an Eimeria sp. recovered from a green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana (Gmelin, 1788) captured in the Marambaia Island, on the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The coccidial density, some morphological aspects of its oocysts, the molecular results, and, mainly, the ecological niche of C. americana in the mangrove of the Marambaia Island suggest that this coccidian species is a pseudoparasite.

Redescription and molecular identification of Isospora feroxis Berto, Luz, Flausino, Ferreira & Lopes, 2009 (Eimeriidae) from tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannoidea) in South America.

In the present study Isospora feroxis Berto, Luz, Flausino, Ferreira & Lopes, 2009 is redescribed from the photosyntypes and from new samples from a short-crested flycatcher Myiarchus ferox (Gmelin), which is the type-host in the type-locality, the Marambaia Island in Southeastern Brazil. In addition, the yellow-olive flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Spix is recorded as a new host for this species, in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in the interior of Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Micropyle and rough oöcyst wall are added to the description of I. feroxis, in addition to other details. This is the sixth species identified from suboscine birds (Tyranni) to have a COI gene sequence deposited in GenBank and, although it is not yet possible to make conclusions on the phylogeny of Isospora spp. from Passeriformes by the COI gene, the molecular analysis confirmed the differences between coccidian species from tyrant-flycatchers.

Chikungunya fever: How accurate is the clinical-epidemiological diagnosis compared to the gold standard of molecular and serological laboratory diagnosis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the current World Health Organization' (WHO) Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) clinical-epidemiological case definition against the gold standard of laboratory diagnosis. METHODS: This was a prospective study of patients seeking medical care at an Emergency Department in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from January to June 2018. Clinical features were recorded. Screening for CHIKF was performed using the RT-qPCR and ELISA-IgM antibody assay. Clinical features of CHIKF RT-qPCR/IgM positive cases were compared with those with other febrile illnesses. RESULTS: 27,900 ED visits were recorded, of which 172 (0.61 %) patients were screened for arboviral illness. The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed CHIKF (Lab-CHIKF) was 110/172 [64 %]. Chikungunya virus RNA was detected in 92/172 (53.5 %) patients, while in 18/80 (10.5 %), only IgM was positive. Compared to CHIKV-negative subjects, patients with CHIKF presented much earlier after the onset of symptoms (2 [1-4] vs. 3.5 [2.5-5], p = 0.007), and more frequently reported arthritis (61.8 % vs. 33.9 %, p < 0.0001), arthralgia (96.4 % vs. 79 %, p < 0.0001), and conjunctivitis (35.5 % vs. 16.1 %, p = 0.007). After adjustments for other clinical predictors, arthritis/arthralgia [aOR: 6 (95 % CI 1.8-19.7)] and the presence of conjunctivitis [aOR: 2.85 (95 % CI 1.30-6.24] were positively associated with lab-CHIKF. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the WHO CHIKF clinical case definition was 96.3 %, 20.9 %, 68.3 % and 76.4 %, respectively, and accuracy was 0.69 [AUC: 0.69 (95 % CI 0.61-0.75)]. CONCLUSION: The WHO case definition needs to be improved for better accuracy, especially in areas in epidemics in areas with co-circulation of arboviruses.

Morphological and molecular identification of Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvão, Ferreira & Lopes, 2014 (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from thrushes Turdus spp. (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in South America.

In the current work, Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvão, Ferreira & Lopes, [10] is identified from white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818, rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 and from a new host, the yellow-legged thrush Turdus flavipes (Vieillot, 1818) in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. massardi of the current study are morphologically similar to the original description and are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species. Furthermore, a genotypic difference of 3% was found in the COI sequences from T. flavipes and T. albicollis. Therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometric and genotypic differences with an ongoing speciation process.

Hemoparasites in ticks of wild birds of Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aim of this study is to detect the presence of tick-borne agents of genera Rickettsia, Borrelia, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in ticks collected from native wild birds in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Birds were captured and observed carefully to find the ectoparasites. DNA detection of hemoparasites was performed by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences obtained were analyzed and their homologies were compared to the available isolates in the GenBank platform database. A total of 33 birds were captured from 20 different species, of which 14 were parasitized by Amblyomma longirostre (n = 22). There was absence of DNA from agents of the genera Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in the evaluated samples. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that one sample had 100% identity with Rickettsia bellii (KJ534309), the other two samples showed 100% identity with Rickettsia sp. Aranha strain and strain AL (EU274654 and AY360216). The positive sample for R. bellii was also demonstrated to be positive for Borrelia sp., which presented a similarity of 91% with Borrelia turcica (KF422815). This is the first description of Borrelia sp. in ticks of the genus Amblyomma in South America.

Coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with notes on Avispora bubonis in Old World.

Portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. Coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. In this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. Eighty-nine wild birds of 9 orders and 11 families were sampled, of which 22 (25%) were positive for Coccidia. Avispora spp. were found in raptors. Sporocysts of Sarcocystinae subfamily were recovered from owls. An Isospora sp. was found in Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758, and an Eimeria sp. was found in Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Among the coccidian species, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) can be highlighted. The finding of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.

Hemoparasites in ticks of wild birds of Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Hemoparasitos em carrapatos de aves silvestres do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study is to detect the presence of tick-borne agents of genera Rickettsia, Borrelia, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in ticks collected from native wild birds in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Birds were captured and observed carefully to find the ectoparasites. DNA detection of hemoparasites was performed by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences obtained were analyzed and their homologies were compared to the available isolates in the GenBank platform database. A total of 33 birds were captured from 20 different species, of which 14 were parasitized by Amblyomma longirostre (n = 22). There was absence of DNA from agents of the genera Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in the evaluated samples. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that one sample had 100% identity with Rickettsia bellii (KJ534309), the other two samples showed 100% identity with Rickettsia sp. Aranha strain and strain AL (EU274654 and AY360216). The positive sample for R. bellii was also demonstrated to be positive for Borrelia sp., which presented a similarity of 91% with Borrelia turcica (KF422815). This is the first description of Borrelia sp. in ticks of the genus Amblyomma in South America.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo detectar evidências moleculares da presença de agentes dos gêneros Rickettsia, Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma e Ehrlichia transmitidos por carrapatos coletados de aves silvestres no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Aves foram capturadas e observadas cuidadosamente a procura de ectoparasitos. A detecção de DNA de hemoparasitos foi realizada por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As sequências obtidas foram analisadas e sua homologia comparada aos isolados disponíveis na base de dados da plataforma GenBank. Foram capturadas 33 aves, de 20 espécies diferentes das quais 14 estavam parasitadas por Amblyomma longirostre (n = 22). Houve ausência de DNA de agentes dos gêneros Babesia, Anaplasma e Ehrlichia nas amostras avaliadas. A análise filogenética indicou que uma amostra apresentou 100% de identidade com Rickettsia bellii (KJ534309), as outras duas amostras apresentaram 100% de identidade com Rickettsia sp. cepa Aranha e Cepa AL (EU274654 e AY360216.). A amostra positiva para R. bellii também apresentou positividade para Borrelia sp. que apresentou similaridade de 91% com Borrelia turcica (KF422815). Esta é a primeira descrição de Borrelia sp. em carrapatos do gênero Amblyomma na América do Sul.

Coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with notes on Avispora bubonis in Old World / Coccídios parasitas de aves em centros de reabilitação em Portugal, com notas sobre Avispora bubonis no Velho Mundo

Abstract Portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. Coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. In this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. Eighty-nine wild birds of 9 orders and 11 families were sampled, of which 22 (25%) were positive for Coccidia. Avispora spp. were found in raptors. Sporocysts of Sarcocystinae subfamily were recovered from owls. An Isospora sp. was found in Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758, and an Eimeria sp. was found in Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Among the coccidian species, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) can be highlighted. The finding of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.

Resumo Portugal possui alguns centros de reabilitação de animais silvestres, responsáveis ​​pela reabilitação e reintrodução de aves, entre outros animais, na natureza. Os coccídios parasitas dessas aves silvestres em centros de reabilitação são especialmente importantes porque esses centros podem introduzir espécies de coccídios em novos ambientes através da reintrodução de seus respectivos hospedeiros. Neste contexto, o presente estudo visou identificar coccídios intestinais de aves silvestres em dois centros de reabilitação de animais silvestres localizados em dois municípios de Portugal. Oitenta e nove aves silvestres de 9 ordens e 11 famílias foram amostradas, das quais 22 (25%) foram positivas para coccídios. Avispora spp. foram encontradas em aves de rapina. Esporocistos de coccídios da subfamilia Sarcocystinae foram encontrados em corujas. Uma Isospora sp. foi encontrada em Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 e uma Eimeria sp. foi encontrada em Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Entre as espécies de coccídios, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) pode ser destacada. O encontro dessa espécie indica que a transmissão de coccídios do Novo Mundo para o Velho Mundo pode estar ocorrendo, potencialmente através da dispersão por Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) pelas regiões árticas ou por meio de atividades antrópicas, e/ou através de outros mecanismos desconhecidos.

Diversity and distribution of coccidia of wild birds in an Atlantic forest fragment area in southeastern Brazil / Diversidade e distribuição de coccídios de aves silvestres em uma área de fragmento de Mata Atlântica no sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Coccidia are protozoan parasites that are frequently observed in fecal samples from wild birds, and they are extremely important for biodiversity, host specificity and conservation. The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the coccidian species from wild birds caught in a fragmented area of Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Guapimirim in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is located around the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. A total of 101 birds were caught and identified. The highest prevalence and density were observed in the family Columbidae (Columbiformes). Among the families of Passeriformes, the highest prevalences and densities were of birds in the families Thraupidae and Turdidae. The majority of the positive samples and those with higher densities were collected in the afternoons. Eleven coccidian species of Isospora and Eimeria were identified. Seven of these species that were morphologically identified are undescribed in the scientific literature and are believed to be new species. The present study highlights the wide distribution and dispersion of coccidia of wild birds in southeastern Brazil, and records the municipality of Guapimirim, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as a new locality for parasitism, along with the new hosts recorded.

Resumo Os coccídios são protozoários parasitas frequentemente observados em amostras fecais de aves silvestres, os quais têm extrema importância para a biodiversidade, especificidade hospedeira e conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar as espécies de coccídios de aves silvestres capturadas em uma área fragmentada de Mata Atlântica no município de Guapimirim, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, que está localizada no entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. Foram capturadas e identificadas 101 aves. A maior prevalência e densidades foram observadas na família Columbidae (Columbiformes). Nas famílias de Passeriformes, as maiores prevalências e densidades foram de aves das famílias Thraupidae e Turdidae. A maioria das amostras positivas e com maiores densidades foram coletadas no período da tarde. Foram identificadas onze espécies de Eimeria e Isospora. Sete dessas espécies morfologicamente identificadas não estão descritas na literatura científica e devem ser novas espécies. O presente trabalho expõe a ampla distribuição e dispersão de coccídios de aves silvestres no sudeste do Brasil e registra o município de Guapimirim, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, como uma nova localidade de parasitismo, além dos novos hospedeiros registrados.

Diversity and distribution of coccidia of wild birds in an Atlantic forest fragment area in southeastern Brazil.

Coccidia are protozoan parasites that are frequently observed in fecal samples from wild birds, and they are extremely important for biodiversity, host specificity and conservation. The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the coccidian species from wild birds caught in a fragmented area of Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Guapimirim in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is located around the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. A total of 101 birds were caught and identified. The highest prevalence and density were observed in the family Columbidae (Columbiformes). Among the families of Passeriformes, the highest prevalences and densities were of birds in the families Thraupidae and Turdidae. The majority of the positive samples and those with higher densities were collected in the afternoons. Eleven coccidian species of Isospora and Eimeria were identified. Seven of these species that were morphologically identified are undescribed in the scientific literature and are believed to be new species. The present study highlights the wide distribution and dispersion of coccidia of wild birds in southeastern Brazil, and records the municipality of Guapimirim, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as a new locality for parasitism, along with the new hosts recorded.

Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the little owl, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), in mainland Portugal.

The little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769) is a small raptor that is widely distributed from northern to southern Portugal and several other countries in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and which has been introduced into New Zealand. In the current study, 18 fecal samples were collected from little owls kept at the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, which is located in Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Twelve (67%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Avispora in their feces. The oocysts of Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 38.9 × 32.9 µm, with a shape index of 1.18. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 21.1 × 20.1 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of a compact subspherical mass of granules. This is the fourth species of Avispora reported in Strigiformes.

Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the little owl, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), in mainland Portugal / Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) no mocho-galego, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), em Portugal Continental

Abstract The little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769) is a small raptor that is widely distributed from northern to southern Portugal and several other countries in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and which has been introduced into New Zealand. In the current study, 18 fecal samples were collected from little owls kept at the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, which is located in Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Twelve (67%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Avispora in their feces. The oocysts of Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 38.9 × 32.9 µm, with a shape index of 1.18. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 21.1 × 20.1 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of a compact subspherical mass of granules. This is the fourth species of Avispora reported in Strigiformes.

Resumo O mocho-galego Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769) é uma pequena ave de rapina amplamente distribuída de norte a sul de Portugal, em vários países da Europa, Ásia e norte da África, e foi introduzida na Nova Zelândia. No presente trabalho, 18 amostras de fezes foram coletadas de mochos-galegos mantidos no Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres de Lisboa, localizado no Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Lisboa, Portugal. Doze (67%) deles eliminaram uma espécie não descrita de Avispora em suas fezes. Os oocistos de Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. foram elipsóides, com parede de dupla camada, medindo 38,9 × 32,9 µm, e índice morfométrico de 1,18. A micrópila, resíduo do oocisto e grânulo polar foram ausentes. Os esporocistos foram subesféricos, medindo 21,1 × 20,1 µm. Corpos de Stieda, substieda e parastieda foram ausentes. O resíduo do esporocisto foi composto de uma massa subesférica compacta de grânulos. Esta é a quarta espécie Avispora relatada em Strigiformes.

Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal.

The common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in Europe, Asia and Africa, and vagrant in the Americas. In the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, located at Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Caryospora in their feces. The oocysts of Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 47.1 × 37.6 µm with a shape index of 1.25. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 25.1 × 24.3 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of many homogenous globules scattered throughout the periphery of the sporocyst. This is the fourth caryosporan species reported from F. tinnunculus.

Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal / Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) no peneireiro, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), em Portugal Continental

Abstract The common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in Europe, Asia and Africa, and vagrant in the Americas. In the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, located at Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Caryospora in their feces. The oocysts of Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 47.1 × 37.6 µm with a shape index of 1.25. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 25.1 × 24.3 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of many homogenous globules scattered throughout the periphery of the sporocyst. This is the fourth caryosporan species reported from F. tinnunculus.

Resumo O peneireiro Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, é uma ave de rapina com vasta distribuição geográfica, nativa da Europa, Ásia e África, e errante nas Américas. No presente trabalho, 27 amostras de fezes foram coletadas de peneireiros mantidos no Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres de Lisboa, localizado no Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Lisboa, Portugal. Cinco (19%) deles eliminaram uma espécie não descrita de Caryospora em suas fezes. Os oocistos de Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. foram elipsoides, com parede de dupla camada, medindo 47,1 × 37,6 µm, e índice morfométrico de 1,25. A micrópila, resíduo do oocisto e grânulo polar não foram evidenciados. Os esporocistos foram subesféricos, medindo 25,1 × 24,3 µm. Corpos de Stieda, substieda e parastieda não se manifestaram. Resíduo do esporocisto foi composto de muitos glóbulos homogêneos espalhados por toda a periferia do esporocisto. Essa é a quarta espécie Caryospora descrita de F. tinnunculus.

Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a specimen of the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus held for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild in a centre for research and recovery of wild animals in Quinta de Marim, Olhão, Portugal. Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. has subspherical to ovoidal oöcysts, measuring on average 26.4 × 23.4 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.1 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 16.0 × 10.9 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered spherules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. The morphological and morphometric data for the new species were compared with those for species parasitising birds of the Muscicapidae, Turdidae, Timaliidae, Troglodytidae and Cinclidae, which are considered phylogenetically close. The original histograms of Isospora turdi Schwalbach, 1959 were redrawn for comparison with I. lusitanensis n. sp. and a linear regression of width against length of the oöcysts is presented for characterisation. This is the first isosporoid coccidian described from T. merula in mainland Portugal.

Avaliação do tratamento de miíases em cães através da utilização do nitenpyram / Evaluation of myiasis treatment in dogs using nitenpyram

As miíases são um importante fator complicante das lesões cutâneas, e por apresentarem elevada incidência no estado doRio de Janeiro objetivou-se testar uma nova droga no tratamento desta parasitose. O nitenpyram, droga utilizada comoadulticida para pulgas, foi administrado a 27 cães que apresentavam miíases, com diferentes graus de parasitismo e faseslarvares. A droga mostrou-se eficaz e prática, uma vez que a administração é oral e dispensa a retirada manual das larvas. Nãoforam observados quaisquer efeitos colaterais nos cães. Os animais apresentaram uma cicatrização rápida das lesões.

Myiasis are an important complicative factor of skin lesions, since they present high incidence at Rio de Janeiro State, it hasbeen intended to test the nitenpyram in the treatment of this parasitosis. The nitenpyram, drug used as adulticide for fleas, wastested in 27 dogs that presented myiasis, in different degrees of parasitism and worm ages. The drug showed itself efficient andpractical, without any side effects, once its administration is oral and dispenses the manual collect of worms. The animals havepresented a fast healing of lesions.

Intestinal protozoa in apprehended New World nonhuman primates

The objective of this study was to identify intestinal protozoa in fecal samples of illegally commercialized New World nonhuman primates apprehended by governmental authorities and sent to a Wildlife Screening Center in the municipality of Seropédica, State of Rio de Janeiro, under the administration of Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais. Feces from marmosets (crossbreeding among Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata) and brown howler monkeys (Alouatta fusca) were collected and submitted to Richtie’s formaldehyde-ether sedimentation technique. Smears were made with the sediment and submitted to safranin-methylene blue and Wheatley’s modified trichrome stainings. Phenol-auramine staining was used in order to compare positive smears for Cryptosporidiumoocysts stained with safranin-methylene blue technique. Three (100%)fecal samples of brown howler monkeys and eight of common marmosets (88.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts.Blastocystis hominis-like forms were observed in all samples of brownhowler monkeys and in 66.7% (6/9) of marmosets. New World nonhuman primates Callithrix crossbreed species and A. fusca can harbor forms similarly identified as potential zoonotic organisms.The strict contact between monkeys and humans can represent risks for both by mutual transmission of pathogens. It is unknown if monkey species studied in the present work are either infected with these parasites in natural environment or acquire it when submitted to human contact. Stressing is also a factor that deserves attention on animals submitted to capture, apprehension and transport to Wildlife Screening Centers.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar protozoários intestinais em amostras fecais de primatas neotropicais não-humanos, comercializados ilegalmente, apreendidos por autoridades governamentais, e enviados para um centro de triagem de animais silvestres no município de Seropédica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, sob a administração do Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais. Fezes de micos-saguí (cruzamento entre Callithrix jacchus e C. penicillata) e bugios marrons (Alouatta fusca) foram coletados e submetidos à técnica de centrifugo-sedimentação de Ritchie. Esfregaços foram confeccionados com o sedimento e submetidos à coloração pelas técnicas da safranina-azul de metileno e Tricrômio modificada de Wheatley. Três (100%) amostras fecais de bugios marrons e oito (88,9%) de micos-saguí foram positivos para oocistos de Cryptosporidium. Formas de Blastocystis homonis-simile foram observadas em todas as amostras de bugios marrons e em 66,7% (6/9) de micos-saguí. Primatas neotropicais não-humanos como os micos-saguí originados do cruzamento de espécies de Callithrix e a espécie A. fusca podem abrigar formas similarmente identificadas como organismos com potencial zoonótico. O contato estrito entre macacos e humano pode representar riscos para ambos por transmissão mútua de patógenos. Não está esclarecida se as espécies de macacos estudadas no presente trabalho são também infectadas com estes parasitos em ambiente natural ou adquirem estes quando submetidos ao contato humano. Estresse é também um fator que merece atenção para os animais submetidos à captura, apreensão e transporte para o centro de triagem de animais silvestres.